Frontier Days preparations are ongoing in Tecumseh

Vendors are signing up, floats are being prepared and everyone is gearing up for a party as Tecumseh’s Frontier Days approaches in less than a month.

Vendors are signing up, floats are being prepared and everyone is gearing up for a party as Tecumseh’s Frontier Days approaches in less than a month.

Organizers worked on the final touches last week at a meeting of Tecumseh Together, the new sponsor of Frontier Days. This year’s official T-shirt, featuring a patriotic design by co-chairman Ronnye Sharp, was introduced, as was a special quilt designed by Linda Farris from past Frontier Days T-shirts.

T-shirts will be available in local businesses in the next few days. The quilt, along with a big TV set, a special revolver donated by BDC Gun Room, groceries donated by FireLake Express and gas cards will be prizes in a raffle soon to get underway.

On Monday, Sept. 15, the Tecumseh Friends of the Library will present a mystery dinner theatre play, “Next Of Kin,” featuring such local talent as Mayor Eddy Parker, Rep. Josh Cockroft, and Karen Kinsey. Tickets are on sale at the library.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the circus will be in town. The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will present two shows on the Tecumseh High School campus, at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children, and are now available at Tecumseh Tag Office, Tecumseh Eye Clinic, First United Bank, and Central Oklahoma Chiropractic Clinic. The circus is sponsored by the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce, with all proceeds going to Frontier Days.

Also on Wednesday will be the traditional Gospel Sing and crowning of the Frontier Sweetheart and Frontiersman. Four candidates from the Golden Age Center have jars out at local businesses, collected penny votes. The winners will be announced about 6:45 p.m., before the Gospel Sing at 7 p.m. Sharp is coordinating the performers for the Gospel Sing.

On Thursday night, Sept. 18, Ronnie Kay will return, but this year will host an indoor Sock Hop in the City Hall auditorium that will feature a dance contest. Beth Lyle is lining up contestants for the contest, and urges dancers of all ages to sign up. She can be reached at the Tecumseh Public Library.

An Indian Taco fundraising dinner will precede the Sock Hop & Dance Contest. Dinner will be served from 5-7 p.m. at City Hall, for $5 per person. The music and dancing begins at 7 p.m.

Friday’s events begin with a reception at First United Bank for Miss Frontier Days, Junior Miss Frontier Days, the Frontier Sweetheart and Frontiersman. The reception is being held in conjunction with the bank’s customer appreciation event and lunch will be available. That’s scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

Although there will be no Street Dance this year, there will be fun downtown on Friday night, Sept. 19. There will be an Arts & Crafts Show inside City Hall and vendors outdoors. Some entertainment is even in the works. Angie Phillips, 405.585.3833, is in charge of the Arts & Crafts Show, and Suzie Campbell, 405.598.3793, is in charge of outdoor vendors. Contact them directly for information, since the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce is no longer involved.

The big day is Saturday, Sept. 20, starting bright and early with pancakes at the American Legion and the Barney Shirey Memorial 5K Run/Walk. In keeping with the “Freedom On The Frontier” theme, veterans and servicemen and women will be honored just before the race at 7:30 a.m. The run itself begins at 8 a.m. Runners may register before the race; see the Barney Shirey Memorial 5K page on Facebook for more information.

Events are scheduled throughout the morning, including a sidewalk art contest, free kids’ games sponsored by City of Tecumseh employees, the QR Quest, Pet Show, band concert and more before the parade at 11 a.m. Parade entry forms are available on The Countywide & Sun website (click the Frontier Days tab).

Organizers are still fine-tuning the schedule. For more information, contact Ronnye Sharp at 405.802.8707, Gloria Trotter at 405.204.9074 or anyone at The Countywide & Sun, 405.598-3793.